The data put into the software is based on evidence which the Assessor gathers during the visit. In most cases the Assessor can get almost all the information whilst going around the home.

What we want to prevent is the Assessor putting into the software program the phrase “as built” for items which are required where no information is obtained. If the term “as built” needs to be used then the software will default to the worst case scenario based upon what would have been there when the property was built. This can have a negative impact on the {rating of the EPC}

If you can supply documentary evidence of these sorts of improvements to the property then these can be shown on the EPC and is likely to increase the rating of your EPC Certificate.

• Double glazing improvements to the majority of the property – Certificate from Fensa, or dated receipt from the contractors.

• Any wall insulation Internal/Cavity/External– {guarantee, or receipt from installer.}.

• Solar Thermal, or Solar PV – An MCS certificate from contractor.

• Sloping ceiling insulation/ floor insulation – receipt from installers showing thickness installed.

• Loft extensions year it was built – building control sign off, dated architects drawings.

The 3 mains items that have the main impact on the energy rating are:

• The heating system.
• The main source of fuel for heating the property
• The levels of insulation in the property.

Main Source of Fuel
UK homes are typically heated by either of these fuel sources: gas, peak rate electric, off peak electric, oil, bulk or bottled LPG. So for instance a home heated by gas would cost around 4.64 pence per kwh and the exact same home which is heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So with a typically semi using in the region of 12,000 kwh to heat the home, it would cost £696 to heat with gas compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs impacts the Energy Performance rating rating. Higher costs equates to lower scores.

Levels Of Insulation
Good levels of insulation ensures that the demand on the heating system is kept down, and it also results in a more comfortable home with lower running costs.

The Heating System
An efficient heating system with good controls such as room thermostat, thermostatic valves and programmer helps to keep energy bills down. This all contributes to a better rating on the EPC.

Double glazing
Although improvements to the double glazing will make a difference, the most significant difference is only really achieved when upgrading from single glazing to doubled glazing. If you are simply modernising from pre 2002 double glazing, this will only show as a modest increase in the energy rating of the property. With double glazing the perception is normally sensed by the customer in terms of cosiness from a reduction in draughts. Since the EPC doesn’t consider the condition of any particular object, this kind of comfort gain is not measured.

 

Low Energy Lights
Again low energy lighting does help the EPC since they are an affordable improvement that leads to cheaper energy costs but nowhere near the same contribution as insulation, heating and heating controls.